Limerick rugby legend urges people to volunteer for Big Brother Big Sister project

TOYOTA Ireland ambassador Paul O’Connell is urging people to sign up for Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister Programme.

Toyota Ireland, which sponsors the programme, is encouraging people across the country to register for the upcoming 2025/2026 term.

New mentors are needed in all towns and cities across Ireland to support young people aged 10 to 18 who seek guidance and friendship from someone with “a little more life experience”.

The programme pairs adult volunteers with young people seeking additional support throughout their teenage years. 

Over 600 matches have been made since the partnership with Toyota and Foróige began three years ago, and it is hoped there will be even more matches this year, a spokesperson for the organisation said. 

Volunteers are simply asked to spend one hour per week with a young person by getting together for a chat, a walk or an activity of their choice.

“A strong relationship with a supportive role model can empower a young person and help build confidence that will benefit them as they grow,” the spokesperson added.

“Volunteers are assigned as a compatible mentor to a young person and transform their life based on a number of factors.”

Interested mentors are encouraged to reach out to Foróige to discuss the role and arrange an assessment before a suitable match is made.

Recently, the demand has increased for both young male volunteers and individuals in rural communities.

Rugby legend Paul O’Connell is urging anyone who can dedicate just an hour of their week, regardless of their location, to register their interest in becoming a mentor today. 

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As a passionate advocate for mentorship, Paul O’Connell spoke about the importance of the programme: “As a long-time brand ambassador for Toyota, I'm delighted to back this fantastic partnership with Foróige. The Big Brother Big Sister programme is an incredible initiative that shows how a small amount of time can have such a big impact on a young person’s life. 

“There are so many young people across Ireland who could really benefit from additional support from someone in their community, and I'm encouraging anyone who can spare one hour a week to sign up. That’s all it takes to change a life for the better.”

Zoë Bradley, head of marketing, communications and corporate affairs at Toyota Ireland, said, “Our partnership with Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister programme is something we are incredibly proud of. Through this initiative, we're bringing our brand promise, Built for a Better World, to life by advancing our commitment to social sustainability. 

“Foróige is fully aligned with Toyota’s goals of helping families in Irish communities by creating lasting, positive social change. We have seen first-hand the positive impact these matches have made, and with Paul O'Connell's help, we hope to encourage even more people to get involved now and begin their journey to make a difference.”

Seán Campbell, Foróige CEO, said, “Foróige has been running the Big Brother Big Sister programme in Ireland for well over two decades now and I have seen first hand how it transforms young people's lives. Since partnering with Toyota Ireland over 600 new mentoring matches have been made that give young people the steady support they deserve. 

“Demand for the Big Brother Big Sister programme is at an all time high and we are asking more people to volunteer, particularly men and those in rural areas. Give an hour a week and be the reason a young person feels seen, valued and ready for the future.”

The Big Brother Big Sister programme was launched in Ireland by Foróige in 2001 and has since matched thousands of mentors with young people, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their journey into adulthood.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer can learn more and sign up at bigbrotherbigsister.ie